Best Lawyers in South Korea

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Law Firm Ahnse

Law Firm Ahnse

Seoul, South Korea

Founded in 2003
50 people in their team
Korean
English
Ahnse is a full service international law firm which has been providing quality legal services to domestic and international clients since 2003.With lawyers qualified in Korea and foreign jurisdictions, Ahnse is a law firm with a broad skill set. Importantly, we are able to see both sides of the...
YOON & YANG

YOON & YANG

Gangnam-gu, South Korea

Founded in 2003
1,000 people in their team
Korean
English
Established in 1989, Yoon & Yang LLC is one of Korea’s premier full-service law firms, providing comprehensive legal solutions to clients around the world in all areas of legal practice, including complex litigation, corporate, tax, intellectual property, international trade, and...
Kim & Chang

Kim & Chang

Jongno-gu, South Korea

Founded in 1973
50 people in their team
Korean
English
Kim & Chang, established in 1973, opened a new chapter in the history of the Korean legal services industry by introducing an international model for legal services in Korea.   We continue to be recognized as one of the best partners for our clients not only in Asia but also in the...
SEUM Law

SEUM Law

Gangnam-gu, South Korea

Founded in 2012
200 people in their team
Korean
English
SEUM is a boutique law firm founded by attorneys from Korea’s top firmsWe provide general corporate and litigation services in a variety of practice areas and are the leading Korean law firm with respect to startup companies, technology companies and venture capital funds.SEUM works with Korean...
Lee & Ko

Lee & Ko

Seoul, South Korea

Founded in 1977
50 people in their team
Korean
English
Following its establishment in 1977,Lee & Ko has become one of Korea’s premier full-service law firms, widely recognized for its leadership and outstanding success in every area of legal practice.As has been confirmed in numerous reviews conducted by Korea’s major media outlets, as well as...
IPG Legal

IPG Legal

Seoul, South Korea

Founded in 1993
200 people in their team
Korean
English
IPG Legal professionals are recognized internationally for delivering tailored and effective solutions to the most rewarding opportunities and most perplexing challenges via our Strategy First focus, intense dedication and our love in assisting clients in winning opportunities and resolving...
Bae, Kim & Lee

Bae, Kim & Lee

Jongno-gu, South Korea

Founded in 1980
50 people in their team
Korean
English
Established in 1980, BKL is a leading full-service law firm in Korea. At the core of our practice is our commitment to client service, and we assemble experts of the highest caliber to provide each client with quality legal services.Our experts work together in close collaboration to anticipate...
Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP

Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP

Seoul, South Korea

Founded in 1946
2,057 people in their team
English
Korean
At Arnold & Porter, we are client-driven and industry-focused. Our lawyers practice in more than 40 practice areas across the litigation, regulatory and transactional spectrum to help clients with complex needs stay ahead of the global market, anticipate opportunities and address issues that...
Jipyong LLC.

Jipyong LLC.

Jung-gu, South Korea

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Korean
English
Jiphyeong provides professional and comprehensive legal services in all areas. Litigation and arbitration, M&A, corporate, international transactions, overseas investment, finance andsecurities, PE, construction and real estate, fair trade, labor, bankruptcy and restructuring, intellectual...
Seoul Law Group

Seoul Law Group

Seoul, South Korea

Founded in 2000
10 people in their team
Korean
English
Empowering You with Expertise: English-Speaking Lawyers in South Korea. Navigating Korean Family Law(Divorce, Inheritance), Criminal Law and Debt Collection. Dedicated to Guiding and Supporting Expatriates.Empowering You with Expertise: English-Speaking Lawyers in South Korea. Navigating Korean...
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About hiring a lawyer in South Korea

In South Korea, the legal profession generally falls into two categories - Byeonhosas (Attorneys-at-law) and patent attorneys. Byeonhosas perform a wide array of tasks including litigation, real estate transactions, mediation, and corporate counseling, among others. However, you have no obligation to hire a local Korean lawyer since foreign legal consultants (FLC) are allowed to provide legal counseling on affairs regarding their home country’s law, international laws, and other non-Korean affairs.

Note that attorneys in Korea are prohibited from taking a percentage of the client's punitive damages as their fees. The legal fees can be hourly, fixed, or calculated based on the Korean Bar Association’s officially recommended fee schedule.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Legal issues can present themselves in various manners, whether for personal matters or business-related issues. Professionals, expats, and corporations may need the services of a lawyer when dealing with property disputes, marital issues, labor disputes, immigration issues, intellectual property matters, criminal allegations, contracts, or in starting a business. Understanding complex Korean laws, document preparation, court representation, and negotiating in legal disputes are just a few things where legal expertise could prove invaluable.

Local Laws Overview

South Korea operates under the Civil Law system, which means it uses a set of codes and statutes to base their judicial decisions on. Criminal laws are very strict, especially about drugs, defamation, and national security. Particular attention should be given to intellectual property laws, which can be stringent, as well as immigration laws. In addition, there are strict anti-corruption laws all companies should be aware of, including the Korean Fair Trade Commission’s regulations and the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I confirm a lawyer’s credentials in South Korea?

Attorney credentials can be verified through the Korean Bar Association. They provide a database that lists practicing lawyers in South Korea.

2. How much will it cost to hire a lawyer?

The cost varies widely based on the issue at hand and the attorney’s expertise. Legal cost information can be discussed directly with your lawyer.

3. What is the standard procedure for filing a lawsuit?

Preliminary documents are prepared by your counsel followed by filing a complaint to the court and serving the defendants. The defendant has 30 days to submit a response.

4. Are there English-speaking lawyers in South Korea?

Yes, many law firms in South Korea offer services by English-speaking lawyers, especially in major cities like Seoul.

5. Can foreign lawyers practice in South Korea?

Foreign attorneys can practice as Foreign Legal Consultants (FLCs) but are restricted to practicing law concerning their native country and international laws.

6. Are court proceedings in South Korea open to the public?

Court proceedings are typically open to the public unless the court decides to exclude the public in circumstances where privacy is required.

7. How are business disputes resolved in South Korea?

Although court litigation is an option, alternative dispute resolution methods like arbitration and mediation are popular for business disputes.

8. What protection is available for intellectual property rights?

Intellectual property rights are protected under the Patent Act, Trademark Act, Design Protection Act, and Copyright Act of South Korea.

9. Are there any laws about hiring and firing employees?

The Labor Standards Act is the principal law that provides protection against unfair labor practices, including hiring and firing.

10. Can I represent myself in a South Korean court?

Yes, it is possible to represent yourself, but due to the complexities of legal procedures, it is generally recommended that you hire a lawyer.

Additional Resources

You can use online resources like the Korean Ministry of Government Legislation’s website for finding translated Korean statutes and contacting the Korean Bar Association for hiring attorneys. The Ministry of Justice’s website also provides useful information about South Korea's legal system. For foreign residents, the Seoul Global Center provides free legal consultation services.

Next Steps

If you require legal assistance in South Korea, the first step should be identifying and reaching out to a suitable attorney or law firm that specializes in the area of law related to your issue. Once an attorney is selected, discuss your issues in detail and understand their proposed approach and potential costs before making a formal agreement.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in South Korea through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in South Korea—quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.